49 Years

Last weekend (Labor Day weekend), my friend and I flew to Ohio by way of Phoenix (where we met up and departed ). We went to celebrate my 30th high school reunion and to reconnect with my family. My parents have been married for 49 years. It's hard to describe the kind of fun they've had together because of all their annoying banter, but I've got to say the times were good. My dad has been so good to all of us and has been such a patriarch to our family. It was amazing to see them surrounded by their 3 children and 4 grandchildren (one could not join us because he's in the service). My sister and brother-in-law have been married for 28 years, my brother and sister-in-law for 20 years, and my aunt and uncle for an equally honorable length.

I've been thinking a lot about the legacy we leave and how when we view life with the long-view instead of seeking instant gratification, we end up with so much more: deep relationships that span decades, children, nieces and nephews that make us so abundantly proud and a host of people who's lives we have touched, who love us for doing it/for saying so. I think taking the long-view and the trip back comes down to what has been my biggest life lesson — Love is a choice. It's not always easy to choose love, but it always pays off. Always. It was amazing to see the fruit of 49 years of choosing to be together and to love.

I've been thinking, also, about how I'm going to have to live a really long time (and that my 48 years has somehow already hindered me) to be able to have an enormously long relationship under my belt. But that is something I want for my life. I want a legacy to keep the connection stimulated, where we continue to adore each other. Where so many families don't survive and turn into hate-filled drama machines, I want mine to be full of life and love. I know I'm getting off to a slow and rough start, but my visit re-established it and I'm going to hold true to my desire.

And there's that guy friend I went with, well, he's encouraged me to ditch the resistance and bad feelings I originally had about my family. Because of his giving and supporting ways, I've realized even the smallest of gestures have a direction. I've stepped into an arena of more love, and by him coming with me, he doubles the love and I'm more in alignment with who I am. Thank you, R.

Until next time... Xo, Sharon Marzonie